Kailh Berry vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Berry and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Berry is favored for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and deep sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a textured and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, impeccable factory lube job, and silky smooth keystrokes, appealing to users who prefer a clacky and high-pitched typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the Berry's polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound experience, albeit with distinct characteristics.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Kailh Berry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Although the bottom housings may be similar, the two switches likely differ in how they feel and sound when pressing down on a key, as the qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, while the Kailh Berry and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, each switch offers a unique sound profile. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch allow for a varied experience when typing or gaming. Whether you prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound with POM, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the two switches offer different typing experiences. The Berry switch has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. This means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Berry switch may appeal to those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick responsiveness. However, the Berry switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing compared to the Strawberry Wine switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and mellow sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant notes, producing a sharp, crisp sound that is more high-pitched and percussive. Depending on your preference for sound, the Berry switch may suit those who enjoy a richer, bass-heavy tone, while the Strawberry Wine switch is perfect for those who prefer a brighter and sharper sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized by its textured typing experience, offering a springy and slightly frictional feel when typing. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience with its impeccable factory lube job, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness during key presses. If you enjoy a more textured typing experience, the Berry switch may be your go-to choice, while the Strawberry Wine switch caters to those who prefer a smoother and friction-free feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a low-pitched, bassy sound with a textured typing feel, while the Strawberry Wine switch delivers a clacky, resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the level of typing force you prefer. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and enjoy a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and deep sound profile, then the Berry switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a resonant and clacky sound profile with an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch might be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall tactile and auditory experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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